ENVIRONMENTALLY-aware people across north east Fife are being invited to help spread the word about the benefits of composting.

Over the winter months people tend to forget about their compost bins, but volunteer co-ordinator Kirsty Martin from Falkland Centre for Stewardship is hoping that people who care for the environment will encourage others’ to keep using them.

Kirsty is part of the Zero Waste Scotland initiative which works in local communities to promote waste prevention and help householders see waste as a resource.

Formerly known as the Master Composter scheme, the group now has seven volunteers in north east Fife who can provide free advice on how to compost at home, allowing householders to make their own top quality compost while at the same time reducing the amount of household and garden waste going to landfill.

Kirsty is now hoping more people will come forward to become volunteers and help give talks to community groups, run workshops or set up information stands at local events.

Volunteers can also offer home visits to householders who are trying to compost, and give more personalised advice.

She said: “The scheme is all part of the Scottish Government’s programme to support delivery of its Zero Waste Plan.

“Being a Zero Waste volunteer is a great way to share your enthusiasm for helping your local community, and helping people see waste as a resource.

“Volunteering is very rewarding – you receive full training and there is no specific time commitment.”

St Andrews resident Jean Kemp has been involved in the scheme for five years and hopes her enthusiasm for composting will inspire others.

Jean, who was education officer at the Botanic Garden, has been involved in talking about the benefits of composting at schools and also manning stalls at fairs.

“Composting a fascinating concept which everyone should try no matter how small their garden is,” she said.

Kirsty added: “The scheme has been an excellent way not only of encouraging people to try composting for the first time, but also of providing ongoing support and help for composters both old and new.

“We have made a great start in helping to reduce waste locally already and hope that by promoting more Zero Waste campaigns, we can really help householders to do a bit more to reduce waste and save money.”

Anyone wanting more information should contact Kirsty Martin on 07900 350756 or email her at kirsty_falklandstewards@hotmail.co.uk

Details of the programmes’ volunteers cover are available online at www.wasteawarescotland.org.uk